Patriotism Freedom Sacrifice

Patriotism is defined by Merriam Webster’s dictionary as the act of loving one’s country. There is no discrepancy with this definition; it is the interpretation of what loving one’s country means that causes most controversy. There are two conflicting concepts arising out of the application of this principle. Some feel that loving one’s country involves a citizen having a duty to make an independent, reasoned judgment of whether the actions of his own government are in the best interest of his country while others, including myself, believe that the act of loving one’s country entails standing behind the decisions of our elected officials especially during times of war.
Most everyone would agree that decisions are better made by those who are well informed. The “average” citizen does not and should not have access to the information and knowledge our nation’s leaders do giving them an ability to make sound, rational decisions that are truly in the best ...